Rose says Sunday's highlight reel 'just basketball'
The basketball world wanted to celebrate the Derrick Rose highlights from Sunday's victory in Philadelphia, but Rose himself showed little interest in the topic.
Rose had his own segment on ESPN's "SportsCenter" that night, starting with his fastbreak block of an Andre Miller layup attempt. Then, Rose crossed over Miller so violently, the 32-year-old Sixers guard fell to the court. The last clip was a one-hand alley-oop dunk off a pass from Ben Gordon.
"It's just basketball," Rose following Monday's practice at the Berto Center. "I was just trying to get us in a situation to win the game. I don't even watch SportsCenter or none of that stuff. I stopped watching it ever since we played Tennessee in college (at Memphis) because you can't believe that hype."
Plenty of athletes try to say the right things in front of the cameras. But Rose gives the impression that he really believes the crowd-pleasing tricks rank nothing compared to winning games.
"I just did a move and he fell," Rose said of the crossover. "I've done that before, but that was the first time it happened in a game. I just thought it was a regular play."
The other Bulls weren't quite as blasé about Rose's feats in Philadelphia. Neither were the gasping fans at the Wachovia Center.
"I didn't watch SportsCenter last night," Gordon said. "We saw it this morning, though, before we got out to practice. We watched it about four or five times. Slow motion."
At least Gordon had a role in one of the highlights, tossing the alley-oop late in the third quarter.
"That's just knowing your personnel," Gordon deadpanned. "I wouldn't throw it up to a guy who couldn't catch it."
No one wanted to admit feeling at least a little bit sorry for Miller, a well-respected veteran who is 12 years older than Rose.
"That's just the game," Drew Gooden said. "I've seen Andre Miller make some guys fall, so I guess it was his turn."
Once everyone grew tired of reliving Rose's amazing plays, Gordon was asked if the rookie guard is as humble behind closed doors as he is in front of the media.
Rose is quiet by nature, but he's been cooperative with reporters since the first day of training camp, despite all the attention that's come at him. He's also shown no signs of possessing the kind of massive ego that has become common in professional sports.
"He's the same in front of you guys as he is in front of us," Gordon said. "He's a humble kid. He's not cocky at all. He has a quiet confidence. He knows how good he is, but he doesn't have to tell everybody. That's what you guys are for. He lets you do your job.
"His whole thing is about winning. He's not worried about being flashy. He just wants to get the job done."
There is another challenge that goes along with Sunday's brilliant performance. The Bulls get a rematch with Philadelphia tonight at the United Center, and the 76ers will no doubt be determined not to let those things happen again.
"You can't take anything for granted," Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said. "We have to come out and be ready for a fight."
This will be the Bulls' first home game in 17 days after completing the annual circus road trip with a respectable 3-4 record.
In their first home game following the November trek, the Bulls have won the last five years.
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